Friends of Highway Spinney

We were promised the paths and entrances were going to be repaired this week (unrealistic) admitted the weather hasn't helped. We are on the case but can't see much happening this side of the New Year. Please everyone do take care. Best to avoid the Spinney as it's very dangerous under foot

Meadwell entrance will be closed for the duration of the felling as Trees and Woodlands are using it as a site compound. They store wood and equipment there which creates too many trip hazards and it’s not feasible to clear it all for the weekends.
They do apologise for any inconvenience caused, the other 4 entrances are open at weekends. They were unable to work Monday as they were waiting for the arrival of equipment to carry on with the work

My small contribution for the Friends of Highway Spinney on this Remembrance Sunday, “Lest We Forget”

It’s all happening in the Spinney on Monday, because of Ash dieback being detected the starting of felling 73 Ash trees will take place. The Spinney will be closed off until the work has been completed. It is sad but necessary. The Spinney will look more open but there will be opportunities for new species to appear in the clearings. It will be exciting to see how the Spinney will develop in the future

At the East Midlands RHS Britain in Bloom and It’s Your Neighbourhood awards day yesterday, the Friends were awarded Level 5 Outstanding, the top award possible for their work in and around the Spinney. To say we’re delighted is an understatement, to be recognised is very uplifting and helps to maintain our enthusiasm and commitment.
I have posted the report and certificate, I hope they’re possible to read

Look what’s surprisingly arrived in the wildflower bed at the Braunstone Crossroads a beautiful, pinky, mauve Cosmos

Before and after. Tidying up at the Spinney entrances, defining the wildflower beds by trimming the grass verges and planting more pollinators. Painting entrance gates and railings, a busy time for the Friends as we are getting for the RHS “It’s Your Neighbourhood” assessment.

The Friends have really good news. Following a meeting with Leicester “Officials” we are promised that work will be done to the paths and entrances of the Spinney to make them safer in particular regarding to the flooding and the potholes. The run down planters at Wyatt Close will be removed, some bollards will be put up and 3 new large round recycled planters will also be
installed with fresh compost and wildflower seeds. The area will also be put on a maintenance programme for every few weeks to keep it clean and
safe.

A nice surprise of wildflowers blooming in the grass verge at Braunstone Crossroads, the photo doesn’t do justice so please do take a look if you’re in the area

Thank you Geoff and Jimmy

Two of our male volunteers removing(with difficulty) fly tipping out of the brambles behind the Meadwell Road bungalows. Informed the council who have removed it all

Do take care when entering the Spinney, there are flooded entrances and muddy paths following so much rain

A beautiful clump of wild daffodils in bloom in the Spinney

Pockets of beautiful spring flowers in the Spinney

The Friends joined the Leicester Environmental Volunteers in the Spinney on 14th February to cut back brambles and get them under control in the field behind the Meadwell Road bungalows, leaving some brambles to aid security. Cutting back projects stop at the end of February to allow birds to nest, we hope do do further work later on in the year.
We can’t thank LEV enough, they tackle larger jobs and teach us invaluable ways for woodland management

Happy and Healthy New Year to all the volunteers, Spinney users and followers

Friends of Highway Spinney

Herb Robert flowering very early in the Spinney

A small display from the Friends at Braunstone Crossroads to honour the fallen LEST WE FORGET

Highway Spinney was featured on East Midlands News yesterday, unfortunately showing that Ash Dieback has reached the Spinney, affecting our Ash trees. We have met Dave Jones of LCC Trees and Woodlands a couple of weeks ago who kindly showed us the affected trees and explained the situation.
Nothing can be done to save the affected Ash, the trees must be felled. If you walk through the Spinney it doesn’t look as dense with some new clearings where the trees have been felled and therefore the canopy looks quite different. The Deputy Mayor interviewed on the news feature has assured viewers that many trees will be planted in the future. Feeling proud but sad to see our Spinney on the news.

I’m upset to see the wheelbarrow contents have been tipped out onto the ground and the wheelbarrow taken or dumped somewhere inside the Spinney. Words fail me, people used to say it put a smile on their face when they walked or drove by. It won’t be replaced but I will sow some seeds and plant some bulbs in the ground where it was.

Hi followers, I’ve not written a post for some while, the Friends are still committed to keeping the Spinney well maintained. The biggest issue at the moment is the dog poo. I have contacted the dog warden about this to see how we can resolve the problem. We need to know the names addresses of owners that do not clear up after their dogs. If you have information regarding these owners please contact Matthew Davinson City Warden Leicester City Council 0116 4541001 or alternatively message me on Friends of Highway Spinney.
I am working towards a regular cleansing programme. Be assured we are trying everything

The lovely Leicester Forest East cubs litter picking in the Spinney, they were very good and great fun

It was lovely working in the Spinney this morning, it smells wonderful. The bluebells and garlic mustard are in flower.
A friendly Robin at the Braunstone Crossroads entrance

The Friends displaying the new equipment bought with the money donated from Asda. Thank you Debbie (first on left) arranging this for us, we are so grateful

Spring bulbs in the wheelbarrow at the Crossroads entrance

Crocus in the grass verge at the Crossroads traffic lights

Snowdrops at the Crossroads entrance

Today the Friends planted 5 oak saplings, started and grown by Mary and Pat. Inspired by “Plant a Tree” for the Queen’s Jubilee, Countryfile, RHS and National Trust. Proud to be involved

Oyster Mushrooms seen in the Spinney during last Mondays litter pick. A good time to visit the Spinney with many varieties on Fungi on show

This is devastating, graffiti vandals have been in the Spinney we think last Thursday 23rd Dec’21. It has been reported. I think I will resume my surveillance, it would be great to catch the vandal.

Happy Christmas and a peaceful, healthy New Year from the Friends. A special thank you goes to Julie Selvidge who made this lovely Christmas wreath for the Spinney entrance

The Friends were so delighted to receive a cheque of £558 presented by Debbie. ASDA,s Community Champion through their Run 4 All initiative, this will help us upgrade all our equipment. Below photo includes, dedicated volunteers, from left to right, Jimmy, Julie, our Chairman Geoff, Debbie,
Mary Vice-Chairman, Susan, Matthew, Janice Secretary and Charlie
The top photo also includes dedicated volunteer Nicola